Viewers praise “courageous” Zoe Ball for Sport Relief mental health special Hardest Road Home
The TV and radio presenter completed an emotional 350-mile journey from Blackpool to Brighton
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Zoë Ball left viewers feeling inspired and emotional after completing her epic Sport Relief challenge.
The radio and TV presenter embarked on a 350-mile cycle ride between Blackpool and Brighton, with her incredible effort being documented on BBC1 for Hardest Road Home.
The documentary also showed Zoë meeting those who had been impacted by suicide and depression, and found out more about the devastating effect it has on people’s lives.
- Zoë Ball on how the loss of boyfriend Billy Yates motivated her Sport Relief challenge
- How to get involved in Sport Relief 2018
The It Takes Two host also spoke movingly about her boyfriend Billy Yates, who took his own life last year after a battle with depression.
“To do something for him; a beautiful loving man whose life ended way too soon. To be able to do something for him is a real special thing and I feel really lucky to have that chance,” Zoë said in the film. “So I’m going to do my best.”
Viewers were full of praise for Zoë and the documentary:
Zoe Balls’ #hardestroadhome is the most inspiring story ? #MentalHealthAwareness
— Abi (@akate_n) March 22, 2018
Please watch #HardestRoadHome for Sport Relief. An impactful emotional programme and very relevant. @ZoeTheBall you are so strong. Just amazing. We need to do more and not just talk about supporting mental health.
— Nic Hall (@NicHallx) March 22, 2018
Inspirational @ZoeTheBall and @lifevssuicide Turning raw grief into positive action and helping so many others along the way. #HardestRoadHome an incredibly moving outpouring of humanity and love #SportRelief2018 @sportrelief https://t.co/lOHfZu0fxS pic.twitter.com/2Pn9bKCtt7
— suzanne carpenter (@illustrator_eye) March 22, 2018
@ZoeTheBall Uplifting, sad, inspiring, emotional. Brilliant piece of TV. Congrats Zoe. #MentalHealthAwareness #HardestRoadHome #SportRelief2018
— Al Scott (@scott_al) March 22, 2018
If you didn’t catch @ZoeBallTV on @bbcone @sportrelief #HardestRoadHome last night you have to watch it on catch up, I lost my dad to suicide when I was 11 and cannot stress the importance of opening up this conversation – well done Zoe- Incredible work!
— Hythe BlisterSisters (@HytheBlisterSis) March 22, 2018
Zoe Ball you are one courageous and strong lady. #sportrelief #hardestroadhome #courage #determination
— deeleya (@deeleya) March 21, 2018
So impressed #hardestroadhome @ZoeBallTV What an achievement! Hope that many more who are struggling can be helped as a result of your ride #MentalHealthAwareness
— Anna Heathcote (@heathcote_anna) March 21, 2018
A televised night of fundraising for Sport Relief will start at 7pm on Friday 23rd March. Find out how to donate to the charity here.
Zoe Ball’s Hardest Road Home is available on BBC iPlayer now
Here’s how you can donate to Sport Relief
By text: You can text GIVE to 70205 to donate £5 or text GIVE to 70210 to donate £10. A full list of numbers for how to donate can be found here.
Online: You can donate any amount you want on the Sport Relief website, and pay by Pay Pal or debit/credit card.
By phone: Call 03457 910 910 to donate using your debit or credit card
By post: To donate by post, send in a cheque or postal order (made payable to either Red Nose Day or Sport Relief) and a giro slip if you have one to EY, PO Box 51543, London SE1 2UG
